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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 - Pedestrian Crossing Restrictions on Ridge Park RoadCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 3 April 12, 2005 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Public Works Department Richard Edmonston, P.E. 949 - 644 -3311 redmonston @city.newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING RESTRICTION ON RIDGE PARK ROAD RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution prohibiting pedestrians from crossing Ridge Park Road one hundred feet (100') either side of the centerline of the driveway to Newport Coast Elementary School. DISCUSSION: Staff has worked continuously with the Principal, parents, and School District administrators at Newport Coast Elementary School (NCE), since before the City annexed the Newport Coast area, to improve traffic operations and increase safety. Examples include repositioning crossing guards initially hired by the County, parking restrictions, retiming of the traffic signal at Newport Coast Drive and Ridge Park Road, extensive deployment of traffic officers, and the construction of the Loop Road last summer. We have responded with appropriate traffic control and enforcement changes to maintain a safe environment for everyone each time conditions at the school have changed. As enrollment continues to increase, parents seek alternate areas to drop off and pick up their students. Across from the school on Ridge Park Road is a parking lot owned by the homeowners association. The association previously provided a person to cone off the drive at the beginning and end of the school day to keep parents out of the lot. They no longer do this and parents are parking in the lot and walking across Ridge Park Road with their children. At a recent meeting with NCE and District representatives it was agreed that it would be desirable to prohibit pedestrian crossings at this location due to the volume and speed of traffic on Ridge Park Road. California Vehicle Code section 21961 authorizes local jurisdictions to adopt regulations prohibiting pedestrians from crossing roadways at other than crosswalks. The proposed Resolution will prohibit pedestrians from crossing for a distance of one SUBJECT: Pedestrian Crossing Restriction on Ridge Park Road April 12, 2005 Page 2 hundred feet (100') either side of the driveway. Signs will be posted to advise pedestrians of this regulation. Environmental Review: Categorically Exempt under Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1 (c) of the Title 14 California Code of Regulations. Exemption for the operation of existing facilities. Prepared by: Richard M. E5dmonston, P.E. Transportation and Development Services Manager Submitted by: Stephen G. 13kbm Public Works rlirpctor RESOLUTION NO. 2005 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH RESTRICTING PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON RIDGE PARK ROAD WHEREAS, Newport Coast Elementary School is located on Ridge Park Road, and WHEREAS, Ridge Park Road is a steep road with residential and construction traffic, and WHEREAS, parents are parking across Ridge Park Road and crossing with their students at the school driveway, and WHEREAS, there are other safer places for pedestrians to cross Ridge Park Road, and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it desirable to prohibit pedestrian crossings in the vicinity of the school driveway. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Newport Beach that pedestrian crossings be prohibited within one hundred feet (100') either side of the centerline of the driveway to Newport Coast Elementary School: Adopted this 12 "' day of April, 2005. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk